Robert “Bob” Edison Poole, 62, of Jacksonville FL, went to be with his Lord Jesus from PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Vancouver WA after a valiant battle with Covid-19 pneumonia on May 25, 2021. Born in Portland, ME on June 13, 1958, he was the son of Lawrence and Beverly Ann (York) Poole. The family settled in Derby, CT. Robert proudly served 8 years in the Army as a paratrooper ands attained the rank of Staff Sargeant in the motor pool. He then graduated from Jackson College of Ministries in Jackson, MS with Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Missions. While there he met Karen Mancarella of Windsor Locks CT and they married in June of 1989. They began their ministry in Nigeria, West Africa as missionaries with the United Pentecostal Church Intl and served in many places both in Africa and the USA. Robert & Karen recently made Jacksonville FL their home and were traveling to raise support to go back to Lesotho, Africa to establish a Bible college there.
Robert was happiest when he was with “his girls”, all three of them. If one was sad or upset, he would distract them with his signature song “It’s hard to cry when you feel like laughing!” He had a unique flair for story and joke-telling, often repeating the punch line and laughing himself. He had a heart for children and young people, desiring to show them God’s love and a better way to live. He enjoyed teaching, both one on one Bible studies and in a Bible college setting, often spending extra time mentoring those he taught. Helping people in their time of need was instilled in him by his dad, so Robert’s ministry also included “getting his hands dirty” which he was happy to do.
Robert is survived by his wife Karen, his daughters Rebecca [Aaron] Stover of Berea KY and Jennifer Poole of Jacksonville FL and granddaughter Ava Stover of Berea KY, sister-in-laws Margie Acosta of Naugatuck, CT and Susan Poole of Kingwood TX along with many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Beverly (York) Poole, his brother Lawrence III Poole and his nephew David Poole.
Services will be held on Friday June 18, 2021 at the First United Pentecostal Church, 11697 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville FL. Friends are welcome at 10:00 am for the viewing and the funeral service begins at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Robert E. Poole Memorial Fund to erect a church building in his honor in the nation of Lesotho. Checks with the fund name and #GMMFB.1140.2110 indicated in the memo can be made out to Global Missions, 36 Research Pk Ct, Weldon Spring, MO 63304. Text to Give is also available; text GlobalMissions (no space) to 41444, click the link to fill out the form and choose Robert E. Poole Memorial Fund at the bottom of the page.
Funeral arrangements are being held by Fraser Funeral Home, 8168 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221 (904) 781-4314, you can visit our website at fraserfuneralhome.com and leave your condolences for the family.
Visitation Details Friday, June 18, 2021
10:00 AM
First United Pentecostal Church 11697 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32221
Service Details Friday, June 18, 2021
11:00 AM
First United Pentecostal Church 11697 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32221
Njim Terah(He was like a spiritual father to me)
October 14, 2022, 1:04 am
Once more OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES.
Sandra Pitre(friend)
October 14, 2022, 1:04 am
Hi ma’am Karen
Linda Fletcher(Friend)
October 14, 2022, 1:05 am
Wish I could there praying for all of You Love Yall
Karen Satterley(Friend)
October 14, 2022, 1:05 am
So sorry for loss. We are praying for you and the girls. He was a great worker in the kingdom of God. Love Linda an George Fletcher
The Satterleys1 Corinthians 151921
October 14, 2022, 1:05 am
Our hearts weep with you today Kay Kay. Bro. Poole leaves an empty place but we have so many good memories to make us laugh and smile. On the mission field and at home y’all were a very special part of our lives. We look forward to that glad and glorious resurrection day when we meet again on the other side. Our love and prayers for your peace and comfort.
Gary and Kristi Landaw(Missionary)
October 14, 2022, 1:06 am
We thank God for the life of Bro Poole. We are praying for the family during this time.
Chris and Penny Gibbs(Missionary family)
October 14, 2022, 1:07 am
Our prayers are with you Sis. Poole and the girls not just today but in the days ahead. It is impossible to think about Bro. Poole without having great memories and much laughter. We are heartbroken because he left too soon but know his memory will be cherished by so many that his ministry and friendship effected across the globe. Our love and prayers are with you and the girls today!
Pastor Johnnie & Crystal Verton(Friend)
October 14, 2022, 1:07 am
Brother and Sister Verton
Robert and Sonja Fritchey (Friends)
October 14, 2022, 1:07 am
We loved and appreciated our dear friend Bob poole. He was a true man of God and always real! We will miss him so much on t b is earth but look forward to our reunion in heaven. His dear family are in our prayers and hearts!
Laura Nicholson(Friend)
October 14, 2022, 1:08 am
To Sis. Karen and family. Bro Poole was so kind to my husband and I. He will truly be missed. May God bring you peace.
Marcus and Renée Brainos(Friends)
October 14, 2022, 1:08 am
All our love and prayers at this time. We are so thankful for the years of friendship we have shared. Praying peace and strength for Karen, Rebecca and Jennifer.
Terry & Cindy McFarland(Fellow Missionary)
October 14, 2022, 1:08 am
Missionaries to Ireland